Sinking mud pie with hazelnuts (Image by Jeremy Keith, CD Media)
CD Media spoke again with Larry George, CEO of Northwest Hazelnut company, to get an update on how the China-Trump trade negotiations were impacting his industry. His response was interesting and insightful.
“We are just one company in the Oregon hazelnut market,” said George. “People ask us routinely why we are the only Oregon hazelnut company fighting for our markets with Washington and China. The answer is that we have built a special relationship with our growers; we feel a responsibility. We are leading the fight, hiring lobbyists, going to DC, dealing with the Trump administration, and holding a dialogue with the Chinese. Our success comes from how we have built the company.
“Most people in food processing work off margin, buy cheap and try to sell high. We are different; we give our growers a guaranteed price, and from there, we share in any upside with 33 cents on the dollar. This gives our growers stability, and they have gotten huge bonuses over the years; our interests are aligned with theirs. We have confidence in our business model and now have 50% share in the US market of commercial hazelnuts. We’ve forced our competition to follow our model.
“So the answer to your question is — we meet with USDA, USTR, members of Congress…our agreement with growers is that we fight for them as long as they bring volume.
“The tariff war has forced trade routes with middlemen to go away; we are now selling direct into China. This traffic has gone up significantly. We are shipping more hazelnuts than ever before. Even though tariffs have lowered prices to growers, we have cut out buyers and go through normal customs. This agreement will make our market expand significantly.
” We’ve already been through two seasons, without a trade agreement, and we are seeing Oregon hazelnut sales double in volume.
“We are building relationships in new ways, streamlining our supply chain; on the flip side, we are greatly diversifying our market, expanding markets into Europe, North America.
“The North American market is wide open; hazelnuts are a low carb, high protein food and we have a lot of room to grow.
“We want to use the trade dispute as momentum to open markets in China, and other places.”
George is a great example of the ingenuity of the American farmer, innovating as Chinese could never do. Deal or no deal, it seems Oregon hazelnut growers will come out on top!
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The NGS Annual Summer Tour will consist of Break-Out Sessions, Plant Tours, a Vendor Show plus a large Hazelnut Equipment Show. More specific information will be available soon.
When:
Wednesday, August 8
7:30am to 4:30pm
Where:
North Willamette Research & Extension Center / New Wilco-Hazelnut Growers of Oregon
Donald, Oregon
Please contact us to receive one of these special gifts… for our amazing growers!
12.9 g
The mono- and polyunsaturated fats, and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, in hazelnuts help lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterols in the blood. Studies on people who consume hazelnuts regularly resulted in an FDA qualified heart-health claim for hazelnuts and hazelnut-containing products.
8% DV • 32 mcg
Hazelnuts are highest among tree nuts in folate, a key nutrient in brain health, cardiovascular health and gestational development during pregnancy.
Dubbed “The Vitamin E Bomb” by LongevityLive.com. Vitamin E is a powerful, lipid-soluble antioxidant required for healthy circulation, eyes, skin, hair and bones.
139 mg
Hazelnuts’ powerful anti-aging phenolic compounds bolster the body’s anti-aging, antioxidant and immune supports, and aid in reducing inflammation.
Paste & Praline
Our 100% hazelnut paste (no additives) is roasted to perfection and can be customized to your exact specifications and flavor profile. Used frequently in recipes for cakes, pastries, ice cream, confections and more. (13 & 44 lb. pail, 440 lb. barrel)
This finely ground, wheat-flour replacer acts as a binding agent or flavor and nutrition enhancer to bakery goods, fillings, pastas and snacks. Hazelnuts are highly nutritious, and the flour is naturally kosher, grain-free, and gluten-free, making it a top choice for people on low-carb and gluten- or grain-sensitive diets. (25 lb. box)
This form provides even distribution of the nut for uniform flavor, texture and appearance in bakery items, cereal, candy, breads and snacks. Sm 3-6mm, Md 6-9mm, Lg 6-12mm (25 lb. box)
An economical form of our delicious whole nuts. These halves and pieces are often used in bakery goods, candy, health-oriented foods, entrees and more. (25 lb. box)
